Parents claim 11-year-old treated ‘like terrorist’

THE Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been asked to investigate why an 11-year-old girl had her DNA and fingerprints taken after being caught writing her name on a wall in Derry city.

The incident occurred on July 24 in Derry when police spotted the girl and two friends writing their names in felt-tip pen on a gable wall.

Three male officers, armed with rifles and handguns, drove the child home to her parents, telling them to bring her to Strand Road PSNI station on July 30.

The 11-year-old was then questioned for an hour and a half before being released.

Yesterday her mother, Eileen Millar, described the tactics as “completely over the top” and said the family have asked the Police Ombudsman to investigate.

“She was terrified by the whole ordeal, it was completely outrageous that an 11-year-old is subjected to this sort of treatment,” said Ms Millar.

“She wrote her name about two inches high on a wall in a felt-tip pen, you could hardly see it.

“When they asked me and my husband to bring her to the station we thought it would be for a slap on the wrist.

“I was shocked by what happened, she was treated like a terrorist.

“We want the DNA and fingerprints destroyed. I am furious about this.”

A PSNI spokesman confirmed the incident took place.

“We have an obligation to investigate incidents of criminal damage regardless of the ages of those involved,” he said.

“The girl was a voluntary attendee at Strand Road.

“As is routine, a photograph and DNA sample were taken — with the consent of her parents.”